Proverbs — Proverbs 14:25-29

Day 2311: The fear of the Lord and reducing anger – two big topics for today!!!

Scripture: By being a truthful witness, I may save lives, but those who utter lies are treacherous.I am secure when I fear the Lord, and my children will have a place of refuge. By fearing the Lord, I have a life-giving fountain that provides me an escape from the snares of death. A growing population is a king’s glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined. When I am slow to anger, I demonstrate great understanding, but those who are quick tempered exhibit foolishness. Proverbs 14:25-29

Thoughts/questions: Proverbs uses the phrase ‘fear the Lord’ numerous times and so it must be important; therefore, must be understood correctly. I believe that fearing the Lord is rightly ascribing to a loving God complete power and authority. In doing this, we recognize our position relative to Him as God reveals to us His majesty, encouraging us to respond with an attitude of humility and a life of obedience. This ‘fear’ is definitely not being afraid of a vindictive God, but it is a healthy, realistic respect for the awesomeness of God combined with gratitude for what He has done for us!

Slow to anger. Anger almost always is in direct contrast to the wisdom Proverbs teaches, and it results in foolishness, which Proverbs warns us to avoid. Just two devotions ago Proverbs spoke against being short-tempered. A reminder, we are to respond to life events in faith as we determine what God is trying to impress upon our life as opposed to getting angry or frustrated when things don’t go the way we believe they should have.

Suggested prayer: Almighty God, I bow before You in humble adoration and request Your will be done in my life every day . . .